Beijing (China), February 24: In a significant political move, China has expelled two senior Tibetan officials from Yunnan province following investigations into what it termed as “serious violations of discipline and law.” The announcement was made on February 23, 2025. The two officials, Qi Jianxin, former governor, and Jangchup (Jiang Chu), former vice governor of Dechen (Diqing) Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, both ethnic Tibetans, were removed from their positions as part of China’s ongoing efforts to tighten control over Tibet’s governance.
The International Campaign for Tibet (ICT) raised concerns about the vague charges levelled against the officials, such as “violating the Party’s political discipline,” being “disloyal and dishonest to the Party,” and making “illegal gains.” According to ICT, these broad accusations are commonly used in China’s opaque anti-corruption campaigns, often aimed at suppressing dissent and consolidating power.
Reports indicate that investigations into Qi and Jangchup began in early 2024. Jangchup, who reportedly turned himself in to China’s anti-corruption agency, was dismissed on May 19, 2024. Qi Jianxin was dismissed on April 9, 2024. Following their removals, their “suspected criminal issues” were forwarded to the procuratorate for further investigation and potential prosecution.
The expulsion of the officials appears to be a strategic move by Beijing to eliminate perceived rivals and strengthen its centralized control over Tibet. The charges against the officials, which lack clarity, suggest that they may have been targeted due to concerns over their loyalty to Beijing. Such actions also highlight the Chinese government’s ongoing fears of local autonomy and independence within Tibetan regions, reinforcing the party’s authority in politically sensitive areas.
The move has raised alarms about Beijing’s attempts to control local governance in Tibet and curb any dissent among ethnic Tibetan officials who might be seen as challenging the central government’s power.